Advancing the Science of Implementation for Resource-Limited Settings through Bidirectional Learning Around Cervical Cancer Screening

Ethn Dis. 2022 Oct 20;32(4):269-274. doi: 10.18865/ed.32.4.269. eCollection 2022 Fall.ABSTRACTIn 2020, the highest rates of cervical cancer incidence and mortality were reported in Asian and African regions of the world. Across the globe, growing evidence confirms cancer disparities among racial and ethnic minorities, low socioeconomic status groups, sexual and gender minorities, uninsured individuals, and rural residents. Recognition of these stark disparities has led to increased global efforts for improving screening rates overall and, in medically underserved populations, highlighting the urgent need for research to inform the successful implementation of cervical cancer screening. Implementation science, defined as the study of methods to promote the integration of research evidence into health care practice, is well-suited to address this challenge. With a multilevel, implementation focus, we present key research directions that can help address cancer disparities in resource-limited settings. First, we describe several global feasibility studies that acknowledge the effectiveness of self-sampling as a strategy to improve screening coverage. Second, we highlight Project ECHO as a strategy to improve providers' knowledge through an extended virtual learning community, thereby building capacity for health care settings to deliver screening. Third, we consider community health workers, who are a cornerstone of implementing public health interventions in global communities....
Source: Ethnicity and Disease - Category: International Medicine & Public Health Authors: Source Type: research